During this Lenten devotional we sit with worship songs both old and new that invite us into the themes of Lent: self-examination, humility, and repentance. There are so many good hymns and songs that reflect these themes, but each year I find there is only one that best begins our journey because it contains the important reminder that Lent is, first and foremost, an invitation. Some may view it as an obligation. Others may dismiss it as an empty ritual. But at its heart, Lent is all about God’s invitation to us.
On Ash Wednesday we begin a journey to the cross. Not because we deserve it. Not because we’ve earned it. Simply because we’re invited. God’s astounding grace calls to us in the midst of our brokenness and says, “Come.”
This is not a season of self-improvement or habit-crushing. It’s not a time when we try to “do better” and somehow inch a bit more towards perfection. Lent is a season of brutal honesty about the state of our souls. It’s a journey to the cross of Christ, where all pretense and posturing fail. Lent is a time when we acknowledge our deepest, most profound need: forgiveness. We are fallen, broken people who need a Savior, and during Lent we embrace the invitation to repentance.
What a beautiful truth it is that God does not expect us to “clean up our act” before coming to him. He is already aware of what we need. He knows what burdens us, what binds us, what imprisons us. The freedom we so desperately seek is available to us if we will simply acknowledge the truths about ourselves he already knows completely.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry till you're better
You will never come at all
Read the rest of the lyrics here.
Questions for Reflection
1) As Lent begins, what are ways you can mark the beginning of this journey? Is there a meaningful way you can visually or devotionally remind yourself of this daily invitation to “true belief and true repentance?”
2) Read this lesser-known verse from this hymn and spend some time reflecting on its meaning for you:
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requires
Is to feel your need of Him.3) Some feel that the focus of Lent is too “negative,” choosing instead to fast-forward to the empty tomb of Easter, or to ignore Lent completely. Do you sense any resistance within yourself to an honest journey of self-reflection? What might be at the root of any resistance you feel?
4) Read and reflect on this verse. Let it lead you into prayerful worship and gratitude:
“The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost.”—1 Timothy 1:15 (NRSV)